Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Sunnyvale is 498% more expensive than Rockford.

$3,065/mo ↑ 221%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 69%
$181,862/yr ↑ 241%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 71%
$1,816,600 ↑ 1403%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 93%
$3,016/mo ↑ 218%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 69%
153,455
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,111/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $25,332/year.

Median household income is $128,534/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Rockford — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Rockford?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $2,111/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Rockford?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $128,534/year higher in Sunnyvale.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Sunnyvale or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sunnyvale details → View Rockford details →

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